Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalance is a condition in which the body produces excessive amounts of different types of hormones or doesn’t produce enough of one hormone.

Hormonal imbalance may occur because of a hypothalamic or pituitary gland problem (endocrine gland disorder) or because of a problem elsewhere in the body. Hormonal imbalance may cause signs and symptoms such as abnormal menstrual bleeding, fluid retention (edema), breast swelling (gynecomastia), increased facial or body hair (hirsutism), fatigue, decreased libido, infertility, erectile dysfunction, and poor concentration.

Its treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications taken by mouth, medications injected into muscles, or procedures performed for specific conditions.

Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms

Hormonal imbalance is an imbalance of the hormones in your body. In women, this can be caused by the menstrual cycle or menopause. Men can also experience hormonal imbalance but it is often brought on by ageing, genetics, a sedentary lifestyle or even stress.

The symptoms of hormonal imbalance depend largely on which glands and hormones are affected. However, some common symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance are listed below:

Sudden unexplained weight gain or weight loss.
Sleeping difficulty.
Sudden changes in blood pressure or heart rate.
Depression, anxiety and headache.
Low sex drive.
Blurred vision.
Hair fall.
Bloating, changes in appetite.
Skin redness, dry skin, skin rashes.
Long-term fatigue.

What Causes Hormonal Imbalance?

A hormonal imbalance is a condition that affects the functioning of the hormones. The imbalance can be caused due to many reasons like lack of exercise, changes in diet, stress or it can even have its genetic factor. Hormonal imbalance can be in the form of a deficiency of hormones or it can be that the body is producing too much of them. The effects of hormonal imbalance are lack of energy, weight gain, mood swings, poor sex drive and poor digestion.

Hormonal imbalance is one of the most common problems which women across the globe are facing. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, teenage girls and women in every age group may face this problem. This is also a major problem faced by men, who have hormonal imbalances like low testosterone which results in excess estrogen or andropause.

What is the Solution for Hormonal Imbalance?

Treating hormonal imbalance is the process of restoring the body’s ability to produce normal levels of hormones. The body produces hormones in endocrine glands located throughout the body. These glands release hormones into the bloodstream, which travel to other areas of the human body. Hormones control how the body develops and functions daily. When there is a problem with hormone production, it can lead to many different conditions such as infertility, low testosterone, loss of libido, mood swings and more.

Hormone levels can be controlled with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), lifestyle changes, supplements and nutrition therapy. Many factors play into hormonal imbalance including diet, exercise and environment. Working closely with your physician is important when considering the options available to treat hormonal imbalance.

While there are many different medical options available to treat hormonal imbalance, each has its benefits and risks. If you’re interested in learning more about the treatment options available, keep reading to discover everything you need to know.

Hormonal imbalances in women are a common problem. Many times, symptoms can be detected early on and easily treated. However, there are times when the problems reach a climax and require medical intervention.

Hormonal Imbalance Treatment for Women

Birth control medicines help in regulating menstrual cycles and symptoms.
Vaginal estrogen creams can help in reducing vaginal dryness and related issues. Women suffering from vaginal dryness can also use estrogen tablets and rings to reduce the symptoms.
Hormone replacement medications can temporarily reduce the severe effects associated with menopause and other hormonal issues in women.
Eflornithine is a prescription cream that may slow down the growth of excess facial hair in women.
Anti-androgen medications can block the predominately male sex hormone by limiting the severity of acne and hirsutism.
Clomiphene and letrozole are medications that help in stimulating ovulation in women suffering from PCOS who are trying to get pregnant.

Hormonal Imbalance Treatment for Men

Testosterone medications in the form of gels and patches can help in reducing signs of hypogonadism and other conditions that lead to reduced levels of testosterone such as delayed or stunted puberty.

Hormonal Imbalance Treatment for Anyone

Metformin is medication for men suffering from type 2 diabetes that can help lower blood sugar levels.
Levothyroxine containing medications can help in improving signs of hypothyroidism.

How to Control Hormonal Imbalance?

Hormonal imbalance problems affect your body and mind and can lead to anxiety, depression, irritability and mood swings that can adversely affect your life adversely. There are several natural remedies to treat hormonal imbalance.

People have been using natural supplements to cure hormonal imbalance for aeons. However, these remedies do not have clinical studies that can prove their potential.

Natural supplements or herbs that balance hormones that are widely used for reducing the signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance are listed below.

Nigella seeds
Ashwagandha
Black cohosh root
Chasteberry
Marjoram

Some lifestyle changes like maintaining a good BMI, eating a balanced diet, practising yoga, meditation, stress management techniques, avoiding packed and junk foods, limiting the intake of sugary foods, reducing alcohol consumption, etc can also help in reducing the symptoms of hormonal imbalances.

Take Away

A hormonal imbalance is due to the disruption of the precise balance of the many hormones produced by the endocrine system, which in turn affects the proper functioning of the body.

Hormonal imbalances are often triggered by changes in metabolism and stress, which are both caused by factors that are completely within our control. The most effective way to avoid hormonal imbalance is to maintain a healthy weight, eat properly and exercise. A balanced diet is the best diet for hormone balance.